The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) seeks to establish a "Building a Community of Practice for Women in Strategic Trade" (WiST) initiative, administered by the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, Department of State. It aims to enhance women's representation and leadership in strategic trade and export control, addressing systemic barriers to women's participation in this field. The funding opportunity of approximately $450,000 supports a cooperative agreement focusing on mentorship for early- to mid-career women, with a project duration of two years starting from October 2025. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and public international organizations, among others. The NOFO outlines required proposal contents, evaluation criteria, and submission details with a deadline of March 31, 2025. The program emphasizes goals aligned with U.N. Security Council resolutions and the U.S. Women, Peace, and Security Act, intending to develop best practices, foster international cooperation, and strengthen compliance with strategic trade norms. Key deliverables involve creating a mentorship framework, workshops, and a one-day WiST forum to share project outcomes and insights. The document also stresses the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in project design and implementation.

The document outlines the budget guidelines for federal grant applications, emphasizing the required components for budget submissions. It specifies that applicants must provide a Summary Budget and a Detailed Line Item Budget, using prescribed OMB cost categories. Key sections include the description of budget categories such as Personnel, Fringe Benefits, Travel, Equipment, Supplies, Contractual, and Other Direct Costs. Each category must include detailed justifications and project costs in a consistent format to allow for transparency and accountability. The guidelines also discuss cost ethics, stating that certain unallowable costs, such as entertainment and political advocacy, will not be considered. Additionally, the Bureau retains the right to adjust budgets based on program needs and funding availability. Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with federal regulations governing costs and grants, particularly those outlined in Title 2 CFR 200 and the specifics of cost-sharing. Overall, these guidelines aim to ensure proper financial management and reporting of funded projects, thus fostering accountability and compliance with federal rules during the grant lifecycle.

The document outlines the registration process for organizations seeking federal assistance through SAM.gov, emphasizing the cessation of DUNS usage as of April 2022. All entities must validate their registrations, which can experience significant delays, especially if lapsed, potentially taking up to 45 days and causing payment interruptions. Best practices include registering an organization in SAM.gov, ensuring multiple points of contact are listed, maintaining consistent tracking of helpdesk tickets for issues, and following specific guidelines for document validation. Organizations must utilize login.gov for account access, with a stipulation that the same email is used for both platforms to ensure data continuity. It is crucial to renew SAM.gov registrations annually and stay prompt with updates to avoid expiration. The document stresses that organizations engaged in federal grants must maintain active SAM.gov registrations, as this is essential for application submissions and payments through Grants.gov. The State Department does not manage the systems and advises direct communication with embassy contacts for escalations. Overall, the document serves as a guide for navigating the complexities of SAM.gov registration in the federal assistance landscape.

The document provides guidance on registering international entities in SAM.gov, essential for receiving federal assistance awards. It outlines the process for obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and the importance of registering accurately and consistently. International applicants must register in SAM.gov and may need to validate their entity, which requires submitting documentation for name, address, incorporation details, and more. The document emphasizes the necessity of annual registration renewal to ensure the organization can receive payments and awards. Additional information includes troubleshooting entity validation issues, the role of NCAGE codes for Department of Defense awards, and steps for subrecipients regarding UEI acquisition. The information aims to assist organizations in navigating the SAM.gov registration process effectively while complying with federal requirements for RFPs and grants. Overall, it serves as a comprehensive resource to facilitate the registration process for international entities seeking federal funding.